Quick verdict: Germany is 16 federal states – Bavarian Alps + Berlin + Romantic Road + Black Forest + Rhine River. This guide ranks 15 essential German experiences for 2026.
The 15 best things to do in Germany
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Disney’s castle inspiration. King Ludwig II’s 19th-century fairytale castle. Book online 1-2 months ahead.
Walk the Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery)
1.3km longest remaining wall section with artist murals. Trabant Wall + Brezhnev kiss are iconic.
Drink at Oktoberfest
World’s largest beer festival. Late September-early October. Beer tents reserve months ahead.
Cologne Cathedral
Largest Gothic cathedral in Germany. 533 steps to tower. Most-visited German landmark.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Most photogenic medieval German town. Romantic Road must-stop. Christmas markets year-round.
Sleep in a castle
Burg Hornberg, Burg Schlitz, or Burg Rheinstein. Castle hotels with stunning architecture + Rhine views.
Cruise the Rhine River
Vineyard-covered valley with 30+ castles. UNESCO. Best castle density in the world.
Hike the Black Forest
Black Forest National Park. Hiking + cuckoo clocks + cake. Triberg highest waterfall. Spa towns.
Berlin’s underground techno (Berghain)
World’s most famous techno club. Bouncer selective. Open Thu-Sun until Mon morning.
Christmas market in Munich/Nuremberg
Christkindlmarkt traditions. Munich Marienplatz + Nuremberg are iconic. Mulled wine + gingerbread + handicrafts.
Climb Zugspitze (Germany highest)
2,962m peak. Train + cable car combination. Views over Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy.
Bauhaus design in Dessau
Birthplace of Bauhaus movement. UNESCO architectural site. Modernist design lovers pilgrimage.
Eat schnitzel + currywurst
German classics. Schnitzel in Bavaria. Currywurst in Berlin. Bratwurst at Christmas markets.
Visit Dachau Concentration Camp
Most important German WWII memorial. Sobering history. 45 min from Munich.
Drive the Autobahn
Unrestricted-speed sections of Germany highway. Drive Porsche/BMW rental at 200+ km/h. Iconic German experience.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.